STAFF WRITER
The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has overhauled the process for appointing Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) members.
This comes amid growing scrutiny over the awarding of billions worth of tenders at CPBN.
“We are introducing strengthened procedures aimed at improving transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement,” CPBN spokesperson Johanna Kambala said in a statement released on Monday.
CPBN said the revised framework is guided by Section 9(i) of the Public Procurement Act, 15 of 2015 as amended, which empowers the Board to “appoint persons to act as members of a bid evaluation committee of the Board, including representatives nominated by the relevant public entities”.
In line with Section 26 Act, the Board said it establishes ad hoc bid evaluation committees made up of members drawn from the general public.
“These individuals are not employees of CPBN. The board said the overhaul is intended to reinforce the objectives of the Act, including integrity, fair dealing, transparency and efficiency in procurement processes,” said Kambala.
Under the new system, applicants must hold qualifications accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority and must submit a valid and clean certificate of conduct issued by the Namibian Police.
Applicants will also be required to undergo compulsory structured training and complete a competency assessment before appointment.
CPBN said candidates must confirm uninterrupted availability from the closing date of the bid process.
Kambala said appointed BEC members “will be assessed on their performance of conducting an evaluation of the bid”.
“Appointments will take into account the nature, complexity and technical specifications of each procurement. CPBN said the new appointment process is designed to ensure that bid evaluators are properly trained, technically competent and able to complete evaluations efficiently and consistently,” she said.
She added “Members of the public interested in serving on evaluation committees are advised to prepare their qualifications and certificates of conduct. Detailed application information will be published on CPBN’s website and social media platforms.”
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